Is Aitana Bonmati Recovering from a Meningitis Scare?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Aitana Bonmati has been discharged from the hospital after battling viral meningitis.
- Her recovery is crucial for Spain's chances in the Women's European Championship.
- Bonmati has expressed gratitude for the support from fans and teammates.
- Spain's first match is against Portugal on July 3.
- The team is confident after recent victories against Portugal.
Madrid, June 29 (NationPress) The Spanish women's national football team has received encouraging news ahead of their trip to Switzerland for the Women's European Championship. Star player Aitana Bonmati has been discharged from the hospital after testing positive for viral meningitis.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner was hospitalized on Friday due to fever and symptoms consistent with viral meningitis, as reported by Xinhua.
Bonmati expressed her gratitude on social media for the overwhelming support she received during her hospitalization. She wrote, "Thanks to everyone for the messages received and to those who have helped me these days. Fortunately, everything is going well, I hope to be back soon. Thank you all, I’ve felt you close by," on her 'X' account.
Due to her condition, she missed Friday's friendly match, where Spain triumphed 3-1 against Japan, raising concerns about her participation in the Euros. Nevertheless, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Sunday that Aitana has been allowed to leave the hospital after a positive response to treatment.
The squad is set to fly to Switzerland on Sunday afternoon, although Aitana will not accompany them initially. Given her significance to the team, it is anticipated that she will rejoin them soon.
"Aitana Bonmati has been allowed to leave the hospital, and she will return to the team in the coming days," said the RFEF.
Coach Montse Tome mentioned, "Talking about meningitis can be scary, but it is manageable. She is a vital player for us. We'll wait for her as long as we can."
Bonmati has netted 30 goals in 78 matches for Spain and played a crucial role in the squad that claimed victory in the 2023 World Cup and the Nations League last year.
While it seems unlikely she will fully recover in time for Spain's opening match against Portugal on July 3, the team remains confident after defeating Portugal twice in the recent UEFA Nations League group stage, with a 4-2 win away followed by a 7-1 victory at home in April.
Spain will then face Belgium on July 7 and conclude the group stage against Italy four days later.